We moved from North Seattle to a small town just outside of it about two years ago. It is beautiful and full of community and supports its small businesses. I feel passionately about supporting its small businesses.

When I really started to understand my role in becoming a white ally to Black Lives Matter, and I began to do the work to listen and learn, I wanted to be sure I was aware of where I could spend intentionally in support of Black-owned businesses. There were quite a few lists going around the socials that told me about Black-owned businesses in Seattle, and even a list devoted to the North Shore area of Lake Washington, but nothing specific to Edmonds. To my knowledge, the only relatively well-known Black-owned business in Edmonds is Hunniwater, a business I already knew and loved.

Hunniwater used to have a little storefront right by the ferry docks. I’d often stroll by with a baby or two, admire their displays, and not buy anything. Once in a while, I’d buy their drinks as a treat while I was grocery shopping. I met Karin, one of the owners (they’re a husband and wife team, but the whole family contributes), through my involvement with Workhorse HQ, Edmonds’s first and only co-working space (we really are a small town). Since Hunniwater had closed its storefront recently, we chatted about using Workhorse HQ as a place for Karin and family to have customers pick up their orders. She was kind enough to gift me a variety of flavors to bring home and try with Raz. We went through the whole pack in a few days.

Hunniwater is exactly what it sounds like—water sweetened with honey, some of them sparkling, some of them not (personally, I like the sparkling lemon honeydew, which is saying a lot because I have BIG, unnecessary opinions about honeydew as a fruit-salad filler. You can find all their flavors—and shop!—here). They really are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and their commitment to our community is unparalleled. They sponsor almost every event I’ve been to around town and are quick to deliver your orders right to your doorstep—FOR FREE.

Want to spend your money like you mean it in support of the causes you say you care about? AND drink delicious waters (many that are GREAT for the inevitable quarantine hangover, just saying)?

Get yourself some kindness. Get Hunniwater.

What local brands are you buying? I’d love to know about more I can support!